This is the ultimate trip if you want to see the best of Iceland and Greenland in your 2 week holidays!
Travel on Iceland's ring road and discover stunning scenery and dramatic landscapes. A local expert guide helps you explore the unspoiled Icelandic countryside with volcanoes, lava fields, hot springs, mountains, fjords, glaciers and waterfalls. This escorted tour takes you both to classic nature hot spots and lesser-known sights, and includes several soft adventures and cultural visits. Continue your discovery tour to Ilulissat in West Greenland, a breathtaking location with huge icebergs, unspoiled wilderness, glittering glaciers, large whales and the exciting mix of authentic Inuit culture and a modern society under the magical light of the midnight sun.
Find the date and book your lifetime adventure now!
Please note, that this tour only departs every second Friday throughout June to September.
Activities
Boat Tour
City Tour
Glacier Views
Iceberg Views
Midnight Sun
Settlement Visit
UNESCO Site
Attractions
Disko Bay
Ilulissat Icefjord
Oqaatsut
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Day 1
Welcome to Iceland (Friday)
Individual transfer by Flybus shuttle (no guide) from Keflavik Airport to Icelandair Hotel Natura in Reykjavík where you spend the night. We provide you with ideas how to explore Iceland's capital on your own. Dinner suggestions as well!
Day 2
Volcano crator, seals, fjords and mountains (Saturday)
At 09:00 meet our tour guide and depart from Icelandair Hotel Natura. Travel west, passing the town of Borgarnes and climb the Grábrók volcano crater. In the afternoon visit a natural history & seal museum in a small fishing village in Northwest Iceland and stroll around the local harbour. Further north we stop at the turf church of Víðimýri which has been extensively restored to its original form and is widely considered one of the purest and most beautiful examples of traditional Icelandic architecture. We continue along scenic fjord landscape and over several mountain passes until we reach Akureyri, the capital of North Iceland. Overnight at Icelandair Hotel Akureyri.
Day 3
The capital of North Iceland, Lake Mývatn and geothermal baths (Sunday)
In the morning we explore Akureyri, a charming town of 17000 inhabitants, visit the botanical garden and enjoy the panoramic view over Eyjafjörður fjord. In the afternoon we travel to an important spot in Iceland's history, Goðafoss, the waterfalls of the Gods. We continue to Lake Mývatn which is known for its geological wonders and active bird life during summer. We stop at the bizarre lava formations at Kálfaströnd followed by a walk around the many pseudo craters and end an exciting day with a relaxing soak at Mývatn Nature Baths that contain a unique blend of minerals, silicates and geothermal micro-organisms. The warm soothing waters benefit both skin and spirit alike. Overnight at Sel-Hotel, Lake Mývatn.
Day 4
Lava labyrinth, hot springs travel east (Monday)
In the morning we hike in a lava labyrinth at Dimmuborgir "the dark castles", hoping to get a glimpse of the trolls who are said to live there. After an optional lunch we visit the hot spring area of Námaskarð with bubbling mud pools and steaming solfataras. We head through the uninhabited highlands and moonlike surrounding to East Iceland. With some luck we might spot an Arctic fox or see reindeer. Subject to road conditions, we visit Dettifoss, Europe's most powerful waterfall in the northern part of Vatnajökull National Park. Overnight at Icelandair Hotel Hérað.
Day 5
Fjords, glaciers and ice
It's a day to admire the dramatic fjord landscape and its tiny fishing villages at the end of twisty roads in the East Fjords. En route we visit an interesting stone and mineral collection. In the afternoon we see Vatnajökull – Europe's biggest glacier that is visible all over Southeast Iceland. Past the town of Höfn, we stop at Jökulsárlón, a glacial lagoon filled with floating icebergs, and we explore the extraordinary site and might see seals swimming in arctic waters. You can walk on the black sandy beach where large icebergs get stranded. Depending on the season optional boat trips are available. We travel along the southern part of the glacier Vatnajökull and spend time at Europe's largest national park, which has Iceland's highest mountains, an alpine environment, and Europe's largest glacier. Overnight at Icelandair Hotel Kirkjubæjarklaustur.
Day 6
South coast (Wednesday)
A beautiful drive with many natural wonders awaits us today. We head across the Eldhraun lava field and cross the sandy desert of the south coast, overlooked by mountainous cliffs, glaciers and waterfalls. We stroll along the black lava beach of Reynisfjara near Vík. In the small village of Skógar there is Skógafoss waterfall which is 60 meters high and is one of the most impressive waterfalls in the country. Further west we stop at the Eyjafjallajökull Information Center and learn about living next to a glacier and an active volcano. We continue to the high but narrow Seljalandsfoss waterfall which plunges over the mountain. There is an interesting trail that goes behind the fall – if you are prepared to get wet! Overnight at Icelandair Hotel Flúðir.
Day 7
Icelandic horses and Golden Circle (Thursday)
We explore classics today as we travel the route of the Golden Circle sights. We start the day at Friðheimar, where you learn about the Icelandic horse, its special qualities and history and visit a geothermal greenhouse. Later on we see steam from the Geysir geothermal fields as we arrive. There is a variety of hot springs and bubbling pools. The original geyser is now dormant but has been replaced by Strokkur "the Churn" which erupts at 5-10 minute intervals. We continue to Gullfoss, "the golden falls", which is a double waterfall that tumbles 34 meters into the Hvítá river and attracts travelers in summer and winter. We travel inland to Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO world heritage site. As we return to Reykjavík, we take you for a short city tour to show highlights of the world's northernmost capital. 2-night stay at Icelandair Hotel Natura.
Day 8
Leisure day in Reykjavik (Friday)
Optional super jeep tour to Þórsmörk glacial valley.
Day 9
Travel to West Greenland (Saturday)
If you are so lucky that you arrive on a sunny day, the flight into Greenland will be a memorable experience. Seeing Greenland from above, gives you a great experience of the massiveness and deserted-ness due to all the mountains and ocean surroundings. The leftover snow from the winter gives the hilltops and mountains a blanket of whiteness in contrast to the darkness of the mountains. When arriving in Ilulissat you will be taken to Hotel Arctic where you will be spending the next three nights. You will be able to settle in, in your room before heading out on the guided city walk where you will among other things, see the museum. Being talked through the history of Ilulissat and the stories of how has evolved. Get a better understanding of how tough it has been living under so harsh conditions. The city walk takes approximately 2 hours and at the end of your tour, you will take a walk down to the "board" where the local fishermen and hunters will be selling their catch of the day. This is a great place to get acquainted with the locals and ask them some questions you have wondered about, or just to get a good chat. Greenlandic people are very friendly, and it's not uncommon if they invite you to their home for a cup of coffee or even a meal. Greenlanders still live a lot by tradition, now in the modern day of life, but they do a lot to keep the spirit of closeness alive. They love to tell ghost stories at night time, and that can sometimes be as long as after midnight.
A welcome dinner is organized at the hotel for you to enjoy, before heading on the boat cruise under the midnight sun. A magnificent trip among the enormous icebergs. The rosy glow reflected on the ice sculptures silently gliding in the Ilulissat fjord. A great way to end an adventures day.
Day 10
Hunter´s Settlement
Today you will be taken to a small village Oqaatsut, located 21 km north of Ilulissat. Oqaatsut is a very small village with only 42 residents, making this place the 8th smallest village in Greenland. The name means "Cormorants", a name of a black bird that is common in the area. Before the name was changed, it was called "Rodebay" given by Dutch whalers meaning "Red Bay". Oqaatsut has a direct view to the Disco Bay, an incredible view in the middle of the arctic deserted area. The locals of this place are depent on hunting and fishing, just like in the old days. Sharing the catch of the day with everyone especially with whales and other large animals. Catching a whale takes a lot of boats and man power and coordination. When you arrive you will see sheds covered with dry fish or other meat sun drying. Here you will spend a few hours, guided through the history and living conditions for these residents and eat lunch in the restaurant H8.
Then it's time to head back to town.
Day 11
Inuit settlement at Ilulissat Icefjord (Monday)
Today you will go on a guided walk to the old inuit settlement in the Sermermiut Valley by the Icefjord of Ilulissat. You will be learning about the local history and customs, while admiring the view of the breathtaking Icefjord. The rest of the day is for you to do what ever your heart desires.
Farewell dinner back at Hotel Arctic before spending the last night in the incredible town of Ilulissat.
Day 12
Travel back to Iceland (Tuesday)
Spend the morning doing the last souvenir shopping for your loved ones back at home, before heading to the airport. Return by flight to Reykjavik and stay 2 nights in Iceland’s capital at Icelandair Hotel Natura.
Day 13
Bus and entrance to Blue Lagoon (Wednesday)
Non-guided return bus transfer to the famous Blue Lagoon where you get to soak off your travels in the warm mineral rich waters.
Day 14
Departure home (Thursday)
Individual transfer by Flybus shuttle (no guide) to Keflavík Airport.
Included
Arrival & departure airport transfer by FLYBUS (no guide)
Fully escorted 6-day bus tour in Iceland with an English speaking guide
3 nights acommodation in Greenland, in rooms with shower/wc
13x breakfast and 2x dinner in Greenland (day 9 and 11)
Visit to natural history & seal museum in Hvammstangi
Visit to Viðimýri turf church
Entrance with towel at Mývatn Nature Bath
Admission to Petra’s Stone and Mineral Collection in the East Fjords
Multimedia presentation at Eyjafjallajökull Volcano Information Center
Visit to Icelandic horse stables & geothermal greenhouse
Bus to Blue Lagoon including entrance fee and towel (no guide)
Flight Reykjavik-Ilulissat-Reykjavik including all airport transfers and taxes
Welcome meeting with local guide in the hotel
Welcome meeting in Greenland with local guide at the hotel
1-2 hours guided city walk Ilulissat
Cruise among giant icebergs in Ilulissat
Boat trip to Ilimanaq hunter's village
Easy hike to Sermermiut
Not included
Single supplement (Mandatory if traveling alone)
Travel Insurance (recommended)
Optional activities – can be added on request
Any services that not listed under 'included'
Flights supplement (if any)
Please note extra charges for room upgrades can accrue after the booking as the availability of accommodation is very limited.
What to bring
Layered clothing. Ideally, you should pack a thermal underwear layer (top and bottom), activity layer (e.g. hiking pants and shirt), insulation layer (e.g. fleece or down jacket), and outer layer of windproof clothing (top and bottom). You may not need all of this on any particular day, but you should have it available. You should always bring a windproof jacket and gloves, regardless of the weather.
Warm hat, gloves, buff or scarf
Sunglasses, sunscreen & sun hat (depending on weather)
Camera and spare batteries
Additional Information
Please take in mind that flights and hotel availability are very limited, there may be small changes to costs and overall availability.
If traveling alone, make sure to choose the single room supplement when booking this tour. Depending on availability for flights to Greenland, a flight supplement might apply.
Trips to Greenland are always subject to weather conditions. Delays and flight cancellations can happen. Therefore we strongly recommend you to buy a travel insurance in your country of residence that would cover any additional travel expenses, should your flights be delayed or cancelled due to weather. We recommend not to book any international flights directly after a trip from West Greenland.
Departs every second Friday throughout June to September
Most airlines allow 20 kg of check-in baggage. If you have more, there is a fee for the extra weight you bring. Payment for extra baggage is often implemented strictly, because of the small size of the planes.
It is important to bring Danish Krona to Greenland. Foreign currency is not accepted everywhere. Credit cards are accepted only at a few locations. i.e. at the hotels and larger stores. When you use a credit or debit card, a PIN-code is required.
Please note there is a 3-hour time difference between Iceland and West Greenland in the winter time and a 2-hour time difference in the summer time.
Our customers are the foundation of Guide to Greenland so we make great efforts to provide you with the best possible service. We are located in Greenland and cooperate with everyone involved in the Greenlandic tourism industry. We are therefore perfectly placed to quickly react to changes or new wishes you may have to ensure you have the trip of a lifetime.
BOOK EARLY The earlier you book your trip, the better the prices will be, and the more likely you will be able to book the tour you want for the dates/times you want.
Package tours can be sold out more than half a year in advance (note that Guide to Greenland does not include international flights in packages, except where indicated from Iceland or Denmark).
Day trips may sell out closer to your arrival date, but for popular destinations, certain dates/times can also sell out months in advance. We recommend that you secure all of your experiences by booking them well in advance of your trip.
CANCELLATIONS All cancellations must be made via e-mail.
Although Guide to Greenland is committed to ensuring the best protection and service for our customers in the event of a cancellation, we are obliged to charge cancellation fees. This is in accordance with Greenland travel industry business practices. Details can be found in our general cancellation policy.
3 reviews for Iceland And Greenland Discovery | 14 days
Rated 5 out of 5
Riaz Sayed –
Rated 5 out of 5
Sophie Reynolds –
We felt that this trip was ultimate experience of must see both in Greenland and Iceland!
We visited Blue Lagoon, museums, volcano center in Greenland we saw huge icebergs and experienced small local settlements. All accommodations, flights was perfectly planned.
Riaz Sayed –
Sophie Reynolds –
We felt that this trip was ultimate experience of must see both in Greenland and Iceland!
We visited Blue Lagoon, museums, volcano center in Greenland we saw huge icebergs and experienced small local settlements. All accommodations, flights was perfectly planned.